Cloud-first is one of the most popular IT strategies. Companies should look out for when evaluating their existing tech stack to prepare, for the challenges of flexible working models with this approach.
From SMEs to corporations: More and more companies use the cloud-first approach for their IT infrastructure. A regular evaluation of the technology stack is crucial for the long-term success of cloud initiatives. At least once a year – more often if necessary – the current applications’ performance should also be checked whether they support the strategic goals and where additional functions are needed.
The pandemic has further increased the importance of evaluating the technology inventory. As a result, companies had to set up remote workplaces almost overnight. And thus ensuring location-independent access as well as the editing of content and processes and enabling contactless, digital interactions with customers. To achieve this, many companies have adopted various cloud-based technologies without further ado. This enabled business continuity to be maintained. Now is the time to review the solutions implemented for the “contingency” and strategically evaluate the tech stack. The following six best practices enable the implementation and evaluation of cloud technologies.
Cloud-First: Remove Duplicate Functions And Software Silos
Software sprawl means applications and solutions with overlapping functions or those not strategically integrated. A regular assessment of the technology portfolio enables the reduction to the applications that support the achievement of the strategic goals and deliver a tangible ROI. Integrating IT into strategic business decisions is helpful here. Because this allows the challenges of the departments to be understood and suitable solutions to be recommended. In some cases, the desired goal can be achieved with the existing technology. In others, a new, cloud-based application is required.
Easy Is Right: Pay Attention To Easy Maintenance And Configuration
The time-consuming maintenance of on-premises systems is a common reason solutions are outdated and run on versions that are sometimes no longer supported. As a result, companies lack functions and bug fixes – keyword bug fix – but there is also a higher risk of security incidents. Companies benefit from standardised maintenance and flexible options for configuration and integration with other systems by migrating to cloud-based applications. SaaS delivery models like Hyland’s are future-proof. They offer higher performance, security, availability, and maximum flexibility to react quickly to changing business conditions in the “New Normal” and be prepared for the challenges of the “Next to Normal.”
Here To Stay: Collaboration Tools From The Cloud
The adoption of cloud technologies such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Office 365 skyrocketed as a large proportion of workers around the world moved to work from home, and companies had to organise remote collaboration. Cloud collaboration tools will remain an essential piece of the IT puzzle in the future, as many companies want to continue to give their teams flexible working options.
Secure User Experience With IAM From The Cloud
If not all employees are sitting in the office and are not in the protected company network, additional security precautions are required. Only authorised persons access content and systems – on-premises and from the cloud. Cloud solutions for identity and access management enable secure and straightforward authentication: single sign-on functions give teams secure access to the systems, applications, and content relevant to them with just a single login. This makes working from home more accessible and increases productivity.
Cloud-First: Prioritising The Systems To Be Migrated
Some organisations operate hundreds of systems, and it’s not uncommon for many of these applications to be tightly coupled, sometimes in ways that aren’t cloud-friendly. Therefore, the IT department needs to prioritise and decide which systems to migrate first. The prioritisation is based on the essential functions required for day-to-day operations, the complexity of the migration, and the integration of the application with other downstream business systems.
Use Know-How For The Successful Implementation Of Cloud-First
When transitioning to a cloud-first strategy, those responsible must consider several things, from selecting the provider to integration and interoperability to project planning. Organisations can tackle the migration themselves or enlist the help of external consultants and cloud experts. In the latter case, it is essential to weigh the additional costs against the advantages of professional support, such as faster project completion, less risk, and fewer errors due to years of experience. Software providers such as Hyland, who offer a wide range of functions and applications and flexible integration options with their platform solutions, can also support the reassessment of the technology inventory and the planning and implementation of a cloud-first strategy.
